James Wilson was from Hudson when he enlisted in the Hudson City Guards—what became Company G of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry—on May 21, 1861. He mustered out on July 9, 1864, and re-enlisted in Company A of the 44th Wisconsin Infantry on September 24, 1864. He was commissioned on that date as the 1st lieutenant of Company A. Wilson mustered out of Company A, 44th Wisconsin Infantry August 23, 1865.
The following obituary is from The River Falls Press of May 13, 1875:
Lieut. James Wilson.
Died, of consumption, on the 10th of April, at Carizo, Texas, Lieut. JAMES WILSON, aged 35 years.
Mr. Wilson was well known to many of our readers. Born in Canada, he in early life made the United States his home. He was a printer by profession, and was engaged as a compositor on the Hudson Chronicle before he entered the army.—His good conduct as a soldier won the respect of his comrades. He served during the entire war, and at its close made his home at River Falls where he married his wife, who preceeded [sic] him on the last journey. His last years were periods of constant suffering, few of his most intimate friends being aware of its extent. He possessed many eccentricities of character which veiled to all save a few of his warmest friends the best qualities of his nature. Quick to resent an injury and strong in his prejudices, he was ready to remember as kindness and faithful in his friendships.—Many friends will mourn his early death, and many will recall with pleasure the acts of kindness done by him.
The Civil War and Northwest Wisconsin 